Ma Xiuyue finished throwing the last pot and shouted as usual, hoping to help his teammates sweep the ice. Curling hits the target ball smoothly and precisely. Winner-loser locked. This is the last game of the final leg of the Curling National Training Team Olympic Squad Selection Tournament on December 31, 2021. All the athletes in the stadium showed a relaxed and happy expression, clapping and celebrating with each other - the intensive 6-stop competition is finally over, and then it is possible to face the upcoming 2022 with a new mentality.
Ma Xiuyue in the game
At the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Chinese team qualified for all three sub-events in the curling competition of men's, women's and mixed doubles. In order to select the best athletes to represent the country in the Winter Olympic Games, the Winter Games Center of the General Administration of Sport boldly adopted a wide selection method, starting from November to conduct a six-week competition, and the schedule was completely simulated for the Winter Olympic Games. Through high-intensity competition, the athletes' individual skills and team cooperation are comprehensively examined, which not only makes up for the shortcomings of not participating in international competitions for more than a year, but also allows athletes to feel the tense atmosphere of the Winter Olympics in advance.
The competition is intense and intense, and each team is facing the pressure of two matches a day, whether it is physical or mental strength is a huge test. "Thankfully, we all stuck in and weren't as tired as we thought. The closer you get to the end of the game, the easier your mindset becomes. Ma Xiuyue, captain of the men's training team, said. Curling veteran Liu Rui, who once led the Chinese men's team to the fourth place at the Sochi Winter Olympics, did not play in the last stop, but watched the whole game as a coach. For these young athletes, he has a high evaluation, personal skills are very good, and the Beijing Winter Olympics are looking forward to it.
Soon to enter the new year, the Beijing Winter Olympics are just around the corner. "Time flies so fast. My impression is still the 1,000-day countdown to the Beijing Winter Olympics mobilization meeting, and now there are only more than 30 days left. Ma Xiuyue couldn't help but sigh. I very much hope that my name will be included in the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics Chinese curling team participation list, and it will be a lifetime honor if I have the opportunity to represent the motherland in the Winter Olympics held at my doorstep. ”
The mixed doubles group ended all six races three days ago. Ling Zhi, a male player, said, "There is still a month left for the Beijing Winter Olympics." If I can go to the Winter Olympics, I will try to beat the opponents I have met before, and if I don't, I will cheer my teammates at home. ”
The Winter Olympics are in sight, and the marching trumpets are ringing. The athletes of the curling national training team have vowed and are full of confidence. For the honor of the motherland, always ready.